There is a growing list of critics of the newly introduced tactical time-out period in IPL games.

VB Chandrasekhar, Chennai’s head of cricket operations is the latest official to question the effectiveness of the time-out, introduced to show more commericials on Indian television.

‘The seven and a half minute break after 10 overs is quite a distraction and comes in the way of valuable momentum, but that is something all teams will have to live with this year,’ Chandrasekhar wrote in his blog on the team’s website.

Chandrasekhar’s concerns are shared by Tom Moody, the Kings XI Punjab coach. He claims the break stifled momentum and was a significant factor in their defeat to the Delhi Daredevils.

‘We had the momentum and we had seven and a half minutes to lose it,’ Moody said. ‘It was the perfect time for Daniel Vettori to come on and secure the momentum back in favour of Delhi. But there are going to be days in this tournament when it works in our favour too.’

Chandrasekhar added there were other reasons for their 19-run defeat to the Mumbai Indians, citing an interruption cause by a dog on the field and the unavailability of Albie Morkel.

‘A last minute change to the side was to prove costly for us as Albie landed here sans his gear. The airline had lost it in transit from Johannesburg where he had played the last ODI game against the Aussies,’ he wrote. ‘Albie was very disappointed and stressed at the sad turn of events. We missed him for his all-round skills, although Thushara did bowl well in his opening spell.’

Chandrasekhar remained confident ahead of Monday’s match against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

‘MS Dhoni emphasised the need to move on and improve in areas we found sluggish and this was well received,’ he wrote. ‘I am sure our team will rise to its expected potential in the next outing. It was not the start we wanted, but a little drubbing on the pride is always good for lifting the level of performance.’